Parathyroid cancer (patient information)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]

• Parathyroid cancer is a rare disorder. The cause of parathyroid cancer has not been identified. The most common symptoms of parathyroid cancer include weight loss, muscle weakness, fractures, constipation, fatigue, and bone pain.

• Symptoms of parathyroid cancer are mainly caused by a high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), and may affect different parts of the body. They include:

• Bone pain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Fractures
• Frequent thirst
• Frequent urination
• Kidney stones
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Vomiting

• The cause of parathyroid cancer has not been identified.

• Positive family history of the following:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
• Hyperparathyroidism–jaw tumour syndrome
• Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism

• The following tests may be used to diagnose parathyroid cancer

• Blood calcium
• Blood parathyroid hormone

Directions to Hospitals Treating Parathyroid Cancer

• Treatment of parathyroid cancer includes:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Diuretics
• Antiresorptive agents such as biphosphonates, gallium, or mithramycin

• Calcimimetic agents that directly block secretion of the parathyroid hormone from the gland

• Gallium nitrate is used to reduce the calcium level.
• Calcitonin is used to control the calcium levels.

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Directions to Hospitals Treating Parathyroid Cancer

• Prognosis of the parathyroid cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment is associated with better prognosis.

• Metastasis
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney stones
• Fractures
• Hypoparathyroidism from parathyroidectomy

• https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000399.htm